According to Mayo Clinic, the most common, classic symptom of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a swollen lymph node or swollen lymph nodes. These swollen nodes appear as painless lumps under the skin. Most people with this condition experience one or more swollen nodes in either the neck, armpit or groin.
These swollen nodes can also occur near the ears or near the tonsils in the throat. In rare cases, people with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma may not experience any swollen nodes because the condition occurs elsewhere in the body.
This type of cancer usually begins in the lymph nodes. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma affects a type of white blood cell, lymphocytes, that work as a part of the immune system. In some cases, though, it can begin in other areas of the body.
UNDERSTANDING THE SYMPTOMS OF NON-HODGKIN’S LYMPHOMA
While symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can vary widely, the American Cancer Society reports that some of the most common signs of the conditions include:
● Painless swelling in a lymph node or nodes
● Persistent, unexplainable fatigue
● Loss of appetite or getting full quickly
● Unexplained weight loss
● Cough and/or chest pain
● Abdominal pain
● Bloating or feeling full
● Itching unrelated to any other condition
● Enlargement of the spleen or liver
● Rashes or lumps under the skin
While not everyone experiences every symptom, and some have few or no symptoms until the condition advances, others have a collection of symptoms known as B symptoms. These include:
● Intermittent fever not connected to an infection
● Drenching night sweats
● Significant (10% over six months or more) weight loss without trying
Not Everyone Experiences Typical Symptoms
In some cases, people with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma may experience more unusual symptoms or no symptoms at all. When this occurs, the condition may go undiagnosed until it advances, get diagnosed during a routine examination, or get diagnosed as a result of the person seeing their doctor for another reason.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma typically affects the lymphatic system, occurring in the lymph nodes, but it can also affect other areas of the system, including the tonsils, adenoids, spleen, thymus, or bone marrow.
It may also affect other organs, although this is less common. This type of cancer could occur in the:
● Liver
● Lungs
● Skin
When this occurs, the person may experience symptoms related to the area of the body affected, such as feeling bloated and full because of a swollen liver or coughing because of lymphoma in the lungs.
See a Doctor if You Have Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
If you or a loved one experiences any of these signs or symptoms, you should discuss your concerns with your doctor. They may order tests or send you to a hematologist-oncologist, a doctor who specializes in blood cancers. The hematologist-oncologist will likely want to perform a tissue biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or to rule it out.
Many other conditions can cause similar symptoms, and most are less serious than cancer. However, if you have a history of exposure to Roundup weed killer and other glyphosate-based herbicides, it is important to rule out this type of deadly cancer.
Talk to an Attorney Today About Your Case Against Roundup
If you suffer symptoms or have a non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis and experienced exposure to Roundup or other glyphosate-based herbicides, reach out to Zanes Law today. We can quickly evaluate your case and help you understand your rights. You may be able to pursue compensation and hold the company liable.
We can sign you up over the phone following your free consultation, or we can meet with you in your home or hospital room to discuss your condition and case. Call Zanes Law today at (833) 214-0917 to get started.